It was just another Wednesday morning, but for Val, it marked a triumphant return to something she truly loved – joining her friends on the weekly village bus outing.
After months of dedicated physiotherapy with TPC physiotherapist Dan, Val achieved her goal:
“To be able to safely climb the steps onto the village bus so that I can enjoy Wednesday bus excursions!”
Val, pictured below with Dan, moved into retirement living with a strong background in teaching sports, having spent her life active and on the go.
Tennis, squash, badminton and regular exercise were part of her rhythm, but in early 2024, she noticed things were getting harder. Distances felt longer, she was becoming breathless more easily, and the social outings she used to enjoy began to feel out of reach.
That’s when she connected with Dan, hoping to get back into the rhythm of movement that had always been part of her identity.
But her journey wasn’t without setbacks. Val experienced a bad fall that resulted in a fractured arm. Simultaneously, she developed a chest infection and this led to almost two months in hospital.
Once she returned home, she was in pain, and her confidence had taken a hit.
Climbing onto the village bus – something that once brought her joy – had become a real challenge. Her balance had deteriorated, and the simple act of pulling herself up the bus steps with a sore arm felt nearly impossible.
Still, Val didn’t give up.
With Dan’s support, she began rebuilding her strength and balance, step by step. It was slow going; there were times when it felt like two steps forward, one step back. But her determination never wavered.
And then one day, she did it!
Val climbed those bus steps, safely and independently, and took her seat alongside her friends once more. Museum trips, scenic drives, and pub lunches (Calamari with ice lettuce and mango!) were back on the table.
Dan summed it up best:
“It was amazing to see Val achieve this goal. It’s something she really wanted and worked so hard for. After such a long struggle, it’s so satisfying to see her back on the bus with her friends.”
Val’s story is a reminder that goals don’t always have to be big to be life-changing. Sometimes, they’re just a few steps up, and back into the life you love.
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The Physio Co helps Aussie seniors to move more, with confidence! How can we help you (or your elderly Mum or Dad?) Contact us today on 1300 797 793 and speak with Nancy, Julia and Jess from the TPC Client Care team to discuss your situation. If they’re busy on other calls, leave a message and someone from the team will call you back for a chat! Alternatively you can email us via [email protected]